How to Become a Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) offers multiple alternative pathways that allow individuals with bachelor's degrees in non-education fields to pursue teaching careers.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject area (not education), Connecticut offers approved alternative certification pathways that allow you to teach legally while working toward full licensure.

The two most common routes are the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) and the Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP), both of which are overseen by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).

This guide explains how to become a teacher in Connecticut without a teaching degree, what exams you’ll need (including Praxis), how long the process takes, and which pathway is right for you—step by step, without the fluff.

Can You Become a Teacher in Connecticut Without an Education Degree?

Yes, it is possible to become a teacher in Connecticut without a teaching degree, as long as you hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an approved alternative certification pathway such as the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) or teach under a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP), while you finish your requirements through the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).

Connecticut requires a bachelor’s degree, but not an education major. Instead, non-education majors can qualify through alternative routes designed for:

• Career changers

• STEM professionals

• Military veterans

• Industry experts in high-need subjects

These pathways let you prove subject expertise, pass required exams, and complete pedagogy training—often while already working in a classroom.

Connecticut Teaching Certification Requirements (Non-Education Majors)

To teach in Connecticut without an education degree, you’ll generally need to meet the following Connecticut teaching license requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Subject-area alignment (your degree must match the endorsement you seek)

• Passing scores on required Praxis exams

• Background checks and fingerprinting

• Enrollment in an approved certification pathway (ARC or DSAP)

• Application through the CSDE educator certification system

These requirements apply across alternative routes and ensure candidates meet educator certification Connecticut standards—even without traditional teacher prep.

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Connecticut

Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) Program

The Connecticut ARC program is the state’s primary alternative route for non-education majors seeking initial teacher certification.

What ARC Is
An intensive, state-approved preparation program that combines coursework with supervised teaching experience.

Who Qualifies

• Bachelor’s degree holders (non-education majors welcome)

• Strong GPA and subject-area background

• Passing Praxis Subject Assessment(s)

Program Length

• Typically 9–12 months (varies by provider and endorsement)

What You’ll Complete

• Pedagogy coursework

• Classroom management and assessment training

• Student teaching or a supervised internship

Commonly Accepted Subjects

• Math, science, special education

• World languages

• Career & technical education

Best For
Candidates who want structured training before full classroom responsibility.

Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP)

The DSAP Connecticut option is a high-interest path that allows candidates to teach immediately in shortage areas.

What DSAP Is
A temporary teaching permit issued when districts can’t fill positions with fully certified teachers.

Who Qualifies

• Bachelor’s degree holders

• Subject-area expertise in a shortage field

• District sponsorship (you must be hired first)

Key Features

• Teach while completing certification requirements

• Issued for one year and renewable (with limits)

• Requires enrollment in an approved educator preparation program

Best For
Career changers who want to enter the classroom fast and learn on the job.

ARC vs DSAP — Which Path Is Right for You?

Feature	ARC (Alternate Route to Certification)	DSAP (Durational Shortage Area Permit)
Eligibility	Bachelor’s in a teachable subject, GPA requirement, and Praxis exams.	Bachelor’s degree, 12 credits in the subject, enrollment or intent to enroll in a certification program, and district sponsorship.
Cost	Program tuition/fees for ARC coursework and training.	Usual tuition for your certification program; no separate state “tuition” for the permit itself, but application fees apply.
Time to the classroom	Classroom teaching typically begins after or near completion of the 9‑month program, depending on placement	You can teach immediately in a shortage area once the permit is approved and the district hires you.
Program structure	Formal nine‑month cohort program with intensive coursework and clinical experiences; certification‑only	You work as the teacher of record under supervision while completing an educator preparation or alternative certification program.
Best for	Candidates who want structured training before or alongside classroom responsibility and who can commit to a fast‑paced program.	Candidates who want to start teaching immediately in a shortage area and are comfortable learning while working full-time.

If you want to start teaching immediately, DSAP may be the fastest route, especially in high‑need subjects where districts are actively recruiting. If you prefer a structured, cohort‑style training experience with a clear nine‑month timeline, ARC may be a better fit.

Exams Required to Teach in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree

Even without an education degree, you must meet Connecticut’s testing requirements for educator certification.

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: beginning teachers in all content areas must either take Praxis Core (reading, writing, math) or meet State Board‑approved alternatives such as qualifying SAT, ACT, or GRE scores for program admission.

• Praxis Subject Assessments: candidates must pass subject‑specific Praxis tests aligned with their endorsement area (for example, math, science, or world languages).

• Content knowledge expectations: These exams are designed to verify both basic academic skills and deeper subject‑area competency before you enter or complete an educator preparation program.

• Testing waivers: Some programs and the state allow waivers of the Praxis Core requirement if you meet defined SAT, ACT, GRE, or other score thresholds, but you still generally must meet subject‑area testing requirements.

Specific tests and passing scores can change, so candidates should always confirm current requirements and cut scores through CSDE’s educator testing guidance before registering.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To teach in Connecticut public schools, you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, even if it is not in education. Choosing a major closely aligned with your intended teaching subject—such as mathematics, biology, a world language, or English—will help you meet subject‑area endorsement requirements and DSAP eligibility if you pursue that option.

Step 2: Choose Your Certification Path (ARC or DSAP)

Next, decide whether you want a structured alternative certification program like ARC or an employment‑based pathway like DSAP in a shortage area. Consider your timeline, financial situation, willingness to relocate for high‑need districts, and how comfortable you feel taking on full-time classroom responsibility while completing coursework.

Step 3: Pass Required Praxis Exams

Plan, prepare for, and pass the Praxis exams required for your intended endorsement and pathway. This may include Praxis Core (or an approved waiver) for program admission and one or more Praxis Subject Assessments to demonstrate content knowledge for certification.

Step 4: Apply Through the Connecticut Educator Certification System

When you are ready to apply for certification or a permit, you will create an online account and submit your application through the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS). Through CECS, you provide documentation of education, exams, and program completion, pay application fees, and track the status of your certification or DSAP request.

Step 5: Begin Teaching and Complete Program Requirements

Once hired (often under a DSAP or provisional certificate), you will begin teaching while completing the remaining program requirements, such as coursework, mentoring, and evaluation. Successful completion of your approved program, Praxis tests, and required induction or mentoring then positions you to upgrade to higher-level credentials such as the Provisional or, later, the Standard teaching certificate.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree?

The total timeline varies based on your prior coursework, exams, and chosen pathway. For many non‑education majors:

• ARC timeline: ARC is structured as a nine‑month, certification‑only program; some candidates may begin teaching soon after completion, while others secure positions as they approach or finish the program.

• DSAP timeline: With a bachelor’s degree, appropriate subject credits, and district sponsorship, you can begin teaching immediately in a shortage area under a one‑year DSAP while simultaneously finishing certification requirements.

• Additional factors: exam scheduling, preparation time for Praxis, program start dates, and whether you need additional coursework can add months to the overall process.

Realistically, motivated candidates often move from first planning to being in the classroom within about one to two years, with DSAP offering the fastest path to a paid teaching role.

What Subjects Have the Highest Demand in Connecticut?

Connecticut continues to experience a statewide teacher shortage, especially in specific subjects and endorsement areas. The Connecticut State Department of Education has identified 11 shortage areas, with priority needs in:

• Mathematics (grades 4–12).

• Science (grades 4–12), including disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and general science.

• Special Education across multiple grade levels.

• Bilingual Education and TESOL (PreK–12).

• World Languages (grades 7–12).

These shortages create strong demand for certified teachers, particularly for candidates willing to work in urban or high‑need districts, and they are the areas most likely to support DSAP

Can You Teach in Connecticut While Getting Certified?

Yes, you can teach in Connecticut while completing certification requirements through a DSAP in an identified shortage area. Under a DSAP, you serve as the teacher of record while being supervised, mentored, and supported by the school district and your educator preparation program.

During the DSAP period, you are paid as an employee of the district according to the local salary schedule, although exact pay depends on the district and your contract. You must continue to make progress in your approved program to maintain or renew the permit until you meet full certification requirements.

Connecticut Teacher Salary & Job Outlook

Connecticut offers competitive salaries and strong job demand for qualified teachers, especially in shortage subjects. As per the latest national labor data, the average annual salary for public school teachers in Connecticut is around 63,790 dollars, with most earning between approximately 53,250 and 77,827 dollars depending on district, experience, and education.

Teacher demand remains high, with thousands of educator vacancies statewide and persistent shortages in areas such as special education, math, science, bilingual education, and world languages. Urban and high‑need districts often have the greatest number of openings, creating opportunities for career changers entering through alternative routes.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree

Can I teach in CT with a bachelor’s degree only?
Yes, you can be hired to teach in a shortage area with a bachelor’s degree under a DSAP while you complete an approved certification program, but you still must ultimately meet full certification requirements. A bachelor’s alone, without any permit or certification pathway, is not sufficient for most public school teaching positions.

Do I need student teaching?
Yes, some form of supervised teaching or clinical experience is required through your approved educator preparation or alternative route program, even if you are already teaching under a DSAP. Programs like ARC structure this through internships and practicum experiences aligned with state teaching standards.

Can out-of-state teachers transfer to Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut offers teacher reciprocity, though additional requirements may apply.

Is ARC online?
Some ARC coursework may be online or hybrid, but clinical experiences are in-person. ARC is a state-administered, intensive nine‑month certification‑only program that may include in‑person components in Hartford along with structured coursework; specific delivery formats can vary by cycle and should be confirmed with the program. Candidates should consult ARC’s official information to verify current schedules and modality.

Is DSAP permanent?
No, a DSAP is not permanent; it is issued for one year at a time and functions as a temporary permit in lieu of a certificate. It is intended to cover the period while you complete missing certification requirements, and continued renewal depends on documented progress and ongoing district need.

Final Thoughts: Become a Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree

For many career changers and non‑education majors, teaching in Connecticut through ARC or DSAP offers a realistic and rewarding path into a high‑impact profession. Strong demand in shortage subjects, solid salaries, and structured alternative routes make it possible to move into the classroom while building the skills and credentials you need to succeed long term.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree and feel called to teach, exploring Connecticut’s alternative certification programs, understanding Praxis requirements, and speaking with districts about DSAP opportunities can be the first steps toward a sustainable teaching career—even without an education degree.